Support for Care-Experienced Children with SEND

A new support service being set up by a Leicestershire charity to help adopted children with SEND is preparing for launch.  

Family Foundations is a bespoke programme, built by Menphys, which will aim to provide practical and emotional support to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who have experienced the care system, while also supporting their families. 

It will be led by Sarah Spray (pictured above), Programme Coordinator at Menphys, who herself has adopted children with SEND. 

"I want Family Foundations to be the programme people know they can turn to,” said Sarah.

“This programme is about understanding the SEND child, providing wrap-around care for families, and educating schools and communities about SEND.”

Through Family Foundations, Menphys plans to provide advocacy services, trauma informed therapies and support families navigating the complex education, health, and care systems. 

Initial plans will see support offered to 400 Leicestershire based children and their families. 

The programme will also organise and host peer-led support groups, offering parents and carers a judgment-free space, reducing the isolation often experienced by families. 

“When my children were younger, there was nowhere specific to go as an adoptive parent so building a network for families is crucial,” added Sarah.

“Connecting adoptive parents so they feel part of a community and have support from those who understand their unique challenges is a big part of this programme."

Tailored workshops will also take place to equip schools and local authorities with the tools to better support SEND children, reducing school refusals and exclusions. 

For further information visit menphys.org.uk